All lessons are communication skills based Japanese classes. The program includes testing and revision classes. The classes require preparation time and private study. You will need to prepare for classes and submit homework tasks. All students also have free access to the online resources being produced for Yamasa's Japanese Distance Learning project (the OCJS) as they are published.

Classes are taught via the direct method. The fastest way to learn Japanese is to be taught in Japanese and hear nothing else. Japanese is the language of instruction.

The program has an emphasis on improving listening and speaking skills, although you will also learn to read in Japanese. Bringing a good kanji dictionary is helpful. Correct grammar use is a major focus. It is a key objective of the program that you will be able to communicate using precise and correct grammar.

As a result a large number of classes are discussion based classes interacting with both Yamasa faculty and your fellow students. The faculty focus on correcting errors and keeping the communication skill level rising. Your mistakes are always corrected. This is why lesson preparation and homework is so important, lack of preparation will prevent you from making the most of your opportunities.